Shrine Masons
Shiners, or Shrine Masons, belong to the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America (A.A.O.N.M.S.). The Shrine is an international fraternity of approximately 775,000 members who belong to Shrine Temples throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in New York City in 1872, the organization is composed solely of 32nd degree Scottish Rite Masons or Knights Templar York Rite Masons. The Shrine is best-known for its colorful parades, its distinctive red fez, and its official philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, which is often called "the heart and soul of the Shrine."
Egypt Shrine
4050 Dana Shores Drive
Tampa, Florida 33622-2805
Hillsborough: (813) 884-8381
Pinellas: (727) 443-7597
The Shriners Creed
Shriners believe in God and that He created man to serve His purposes, among which is service to others in His name. We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling disease is our institutional calling.
We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage. We cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility.
We honor family. We respect our parents, wives and children. We should instill in our children the tenets of this creed, and the heritage from which it emanates.
As individuals, we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue and nobility of character. Our intentions will be honorable, our relationships will be trustworthy, and our spirits forgiving of each other.
As brothers, we offer each other fraternal affection and respect. Together we will support each in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities will be the better because of our fraternity and its principles.
As Shriners we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who cannot help themselves. We believe Shrine Hospitals to be the world's greatest philanthropy, and we covenant with each other to support its "temples of mercy" with spirit, time, talent and means.